Stamford is a small Georgian market town, uniquely endowed with spectacular scenery, historic charm and fantastic schools. There’s plenty more where that came from too. It’s why Stamford was voted Britain’s top place to live by a panel of judges in the Sunday Times back in 2013. Four years later readers of the same newspaper voted Stamford the second best place to live in the UK.
In short: a lot of people love living in Stamford. Here are nine reasons you might feel the need to live in Stamford.
1. It’s easy on the eye
The first thing you’ll notice if you live in Stamford is the charming Georgian architecture. It’s the most complete stone town in England with over 600 listed limestone buildings. Then there’s the spectacular countryside that you have on your doorstep and the pretty meadows that flank the River Welland. Beautiful.
2. Peace and quiet, not isolation
The hustle and bustle of London’s hoi polloi – it feels like a world away from Stamford. Yet enjoying the quiet life doesn’t mean moving to some isolated backwater. In fact, London is just 75-minutes away by train – and thanks to the A1(M) you can zip down to Cambridge in the car in just one hour. Birmingham is less than a two-hour drive.
3. A high standard of education
One minute they want to be an astronaut. The next it’s a vet. Whatever your little one sets their heart on, there’s a good chance they will get off to the best possible start while living in Stamford. There are no less than five primary schools in the immediate area rated either Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.
4. Low crime rates, low rates of unemployment
There’s a wonderful feeling of community in Stamford. It’s an ambitious, affable and (quietly) affluent kind of a place. Residents tend to be as proud of the community as they are of their careers.
5. You won’t get bored if you live in Stamford
It seems you’re never a tourist in your own town or city. Don’t make that mistake if you move to Stamford. There’s a huge selection of stuff to see and do nearby. Burghley House and Grimsthorpe Castle are old estates of significant historical value and the mysterious beauty of Bourne Woods is something of an open secret in the UK film and television industry. Stamford High Street is full of pretty little independent shops and every autumn sees the arrival of the Burghley Horse Trials, one of the world’s top equestrian events.
6. There’s a thriving arts scene
The town isn’t exactly lacking in the arts and culture department either. Stamford Corn Exchange regularly hosts internationally touring bands, comedians and theatre productions. Meanwhile, there’s almost always an inspiring show or art exhibition at Stamford Arts Centre. You can make a booking at Tolethorpe Hall to enjoy a live open-air performance of one of Shakespeare’s finest. Then there are the small but well-established – and friendly – clubs for everything from Scrabble and singing to dancing and playing the organ (presumably not at the same time).
7. It’s easy to stay fit and healthy if you live in Stamford
Like to get your pulse racing? Of course you do. It’s hard to sell the merits of a gym when the surrounding countryside provides such a spectacular backdrop for a Sunday run or bike ride. Nonetheless, Stamford has a leisure centre, two gyms and Tallington Lakes, where you can enjoy swimming, sailing, canoeing and more. There are also numerous clubs for a range of sports including – deep breath – football, rugby, cricket, tennis, bowls, badminton, squash and running.
8. Great local pubs
Sometimes there’s nothing better than a refreshing pint and a tasty bite to eat at the end of a long day. Good news: If you live in Stamford, it really is disproportionately well-endowed with quality pubs – with over 20 in the local area. Whether you want live music, local ale or gastro cuisine, you won’t ever have to travel far.
9. There’s a property for every type of buyer
Every buyer has their own set of requirements when they’re looking for their next home. Stamford has everything from jaw-dropping cottages (with price tags to match) through to new builds that are more modestly priced. Whether you’re upsizing, retiring or making your first step onto the property ladder, there’s a good chance you will find a match.
Of course, buying property can be a daunting journey. One that you may not want to embark on alone. For a little expert advice, not to mention some fabulous properties, come to Belvoir. As the only estate agent in the region to cover all PE postcodes, our knowledge of the local market is second to none. For an informal chat about your requirements, please feel free to contact me directly.
Lottie Hostead
Sales Manager
Lottie.hostead@belvoir.co.uk
01733 511099
This blog is written by Lottie, Lottie Hostead is Belvoir Estate Agency Stamford’s Property Sales Manager. Born and raised here she is both a property expert with 10 years experience selling homes and a genuine local.
If you’re thinking of selling your home here then give her a call for a free no-obligation valuation.
You may also be interested in:
>> Lottie’s Guides to Peterborough: a quick introduction to living in Yaxley
